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A/C DIY?

posted by  The Zoo Keeper on  Tue Jul 19 12:01 CST 2005
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last visit: Fri Jun 27 08:34 CST 2008
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I am an ASE certifed mechanic, and I specialize in A/C and electrical repairs on all sizes of vehicles.

Our family has owned Volvo's for 20+ years, and I would not, under ANY circumstances suggest that an R12 system EVER be "converted" to an R134a. The reasons are twofold.

1) R134a is no as efficient as R12, so in most cases your cooling capacity will go down. In ANY event, the A/C sytem WILL place more thermal load on the cooling system, and that is never good.

2) R134a is VERY hard on compressors. It is rather rare to replace a compressor in an R12 system, but it is commonplace with R134a. Compressors are not cheap.

3) R134a is a much smaller molecule than R12, so it leaks MORE, and more easily. This means more frequent repairs.

When you add all this up, it is actually cheaper to repair an R12 system.

In any event, no A/C repairs are "DIY". Please let the pros do this to assure the highest quality repair.
--
JohnG 1989 245 MT @ 235,000






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New A/C DIY?
posted by  dfung  on Tue Jul 19 10:59 CST 2005 >
  • New A/C DIY?
    posted by  The Zoo Keeper  on Tue Jul 19 12:01 CST 2005 >
  • New A/C DIY?
    posted by  David Samuels subscriber  on Tue Jul 19 13:06 CST 2005 >


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